Vineeta Rao
Auckland, June 12, 2025
A London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad this afternoon (Thursday, June 12, 2025 IST) plunging into a field near Nadiad, Gujarat, sparking a massive rescue operation.
The Air India flight AI 171 took off from Ahmedabad bound for Gatwick, London with a scheduled stop in Mumbai. According to preliminary information, the plane had reached approximately 625 feet, minutes after take-off at around 1.39 pm IST, when it suddenly descended with early indications suggesting a possible technical malfunction.
Unfortunately, the plane came down on a crowded street, near a doctor’s hostel. According to initial reports, at least 40 people died in the ensuing blaze and several were rushed to hospitals in the area. Sources claimed that the pilots had made a Mayday Call, which is an emergency procedure used internationally as a distress signal, through radio communications. It indicates a life-threatening situation.
The number of fatalities including those on ground as the plane crashed has still not been established, although the Republic TV reported that 105 people are feared dead.
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Details emerging so far
Authorities have confirmed that the plane was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including the two pilots, at the time of the incident. Of these, 169 are Indians, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese. Several children were also reported to be on the plane’s manifest or passenger list.
Eyewitnesses described a deafening sound followed by smoke and flames as the aircraft crashed in a relatively open area. “We saw the plane wobble in the air, and then it nosedived. There was a loud explosion and black smoke. It was terrifying,” said a shaken resident Nikhil Mehta, who lives just two kilometres from the crash site.
Emergency Response Underway
Fire and rescue teams reached the scene within minutes, assisted by local villagers who rushed to help. The plane was fully fuelled for the long-distance flight. The gasoline further increased the complexity of rescue attempts.
An Air India spokesperson issued a brief statement: “We are devastated by this tragic incident involving our flight AI 171. Emergency protocols have been activated, and we are coordinating with local authorities to support rescue efforts and passenger families.”
Aviation authorities, including officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), are on-site. Efforts are underway to recover the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, crucial to understanding the cause of the crash.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has set up a high-level inquiry. Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia is expected to visit Gujarat later today, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief, stating on X (formerly Twitter):
“Deeply pained by the crash of AI 171. Prayers for the families who have lost their loved ones. Full support being extended for rescue and relief.”
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Tata Group, which owns Air India, issued a statement in which he said, “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
“At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.”
International Concern
The British High Commission in India said it is closely monitoring the situation and has activated consular assistance. Several UK nationals were believed to be on board the flight.
British Prime Minister Keir Stahmer said that his thoughts are with the families of passengers onboard the London bound jet, adding “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” he said.
King Charles has also asked to be updated on the situation.
Ground zero is in a state of chaos at the moment as rescue workers continue to battle the flames. A green corridor has been created to ensure swift transport of injured via ambulances. Hospitals have appealed for blood donations. Helplines have been set up for families of passengers.
Helpline Numbers
India Government Helpline Number: The Government of India has activated an Operational Control Room at the Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate all information related to the AI 171 crash. For assistance, the helpline numbers are 011-24610843 and 9650391859.
Air India Helpline Numbers: Air India has announced a dedicated passenger hotline at 1800 5691 444 to provide additional information.
Ahmedabad and Delhi Airport Helpline Numbers: Following the Air India Flight AI 171 crash near Ahmedabad airport, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (@MoCA_GoI) in New Delhi has set up an Operational Control Room to manage and coordinate all response efforts.
For assistance or information, please contact the Delhi Control Room at 011-24610843 or 9650391859.
British nationals seeking consular assistance or concerned about friends and family involved in the incident are advised to contact the UK consular helpline at 02070085000.
This is a developing story.
Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink Reporter in Auckland.
